Cotton Arrivals Rise 9% Amid Flood Threat

Islamabad, September 3, 2025, 07:59 PM PKT — Pakistan’s cotton arrivals have surged 9% year-on-year, hitting 1.336 million bales by August 31, 2025, up from 1.226 million bales last year, as per Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association (PCGA) data released Wednesday, driven by higher inflows from Punjab and Sindh. In Punjab, arrivals rose 3% to 0.466 million bales from 0.453 million, while Sindh saw a 13% jump to 0.870 million bales from 0.773 million. Yet, experts warn of unsustainable gains, as severe flooding in key agricultural regions, especially Punjab, has devastated fertile land, crippling rice (60% loss), sugarcane (30% loss), and cotton, per Pakistan Business Forum estimates, with cotton production 35% below target.

This cotton shortfall threatens the textile industry, which drives over 50% of exports, worsened by a 19% US tariff, risking supply chain disruptions and export revenue losses. The finance ministry had flagged flood damages as a fiscal pressure and food supply threat. Web context on agricultural crises shows past vulnerabilities, while posts found on X reflect concern mixed with alarm—some note early gains, others fear economic fallout. Critically, the narrative of “cotton improvement” may mask catastrophic risks—web data hints at flood impact, and X sentiment suggests distrust in recovery prospects, pointing to potential crises.